[Letter from Mr Minoo Masani]

Summary

This untitled letter from M. R. Masani to the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, dated 1 August 1968, requests permission for a short parliamentary discussion on the Czechoslovak-Soviet dispute. Masani notes that he and four other members—Balraj Madhok, S. N. Dwivedi, D. K. Kunte, and Humayun Kabir—have submitted a motion under Rule 184, and asks that the discussion follow their questions on the matter.

The attached statement, dated 30 July 1968, condemns Soviet interference in Czechoslovakia and the use of military pressure to obstruct the country’s liberalisation. It argues that the crisis threatens both Czechoslovakia’s domestic freedoms and world peace, and calls on the Government of India to act diplomatically, including by seeking an immediate meeting of the United Nations Security Council. The statement also specifically defends freedom of the press, freedom of expression, and a more rational and liberal economic order.

Key points

• Masani asks the Speaker of the Lok Sabha to permit a short discussion on the Czechoslovak-Soviet dispute.
• The proposed parliamentary motion is submitted under Rule 184 by Masani and four other members.
• The attached statement condemns Soviet interference in Czechoslovakia’s internal affairs.
• It characterises military pressure as an attempt to force Czechoslovakia to abandon political and economic liberalisation.
• The statement links the suppression of domestic freedoms to a broader threat to world peace.
• It urges the Government of India to call for an immediate meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
• It defends loosening press censorship, protecting writers’ freedom of expression, and placing the economy on a more rational and liberal basis.